Auckland's distracted drivers will be targeted by police during a month-long crackdown.
During September, officers throughout the Auckland region will be focused on distracted drivers - particularly those using their phones behind the wheel.
Inspector Scott Webb says distraction is "a serious road safety issue" that so often ends with "tragic consequences".
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"Is sending or reading a text or taking a phone call while driving really worth the risk?" said Webb, Auckland's road policing manager.
"Your focus should be on the road and getting everybody in your car to the destination safely. Put the phone away and keep your eyes on the road."
Almost 40 people have died on Tamaki Makaurau's roads so far this year. In 2018, 377 people were killed on the roads nationwide.
Webb says a significant number of these crashes involved distracted drivers.
"These crashes affect not only those who lose their lives but their families, friends, colleagues and the wider community," he says.
On Monday afternoon, Counties Manukau police released a four-minute video on their Facebook page telling the story of Ruby-Jean, a 17-year-old who died in a Waiuku car crash last year after becoming distracted while driving.
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"While the cause of the distraction is not known, the ultimate cost [was] her life," police wrote alongside the video.
"You need to focus. Focusing will get you home to your loved ones."
Ruby-Jean's family and friends have given police their permission to tell the teenager's story in the hope it will prevent others from going through the same trauma.
"Things can change around you in a split second. If you're not paying attention you may not have the time to react and avoid a crash," says Superintendent Steve Greally.
Webb says common distractions aside from phone usage include eating, changing the music and using make-up behind the wheel.
Vodafone NZ CEO Jason Paris has also spoken on the road safety issue, telling New Zealanders that "driving and mobiles don't mix".
Newshub.
